Sheep on the Row

The second ‘Sheep on the Row’ day, which took place on Monday, was a lovely affair. Tailors strolling around on the turf, often with their model (wearing a bespoke creation) nearby for photo opportunities.

Shops on both sides stood open, often with staff standing outside watching the parade up and down. Many had invited customers inside, and were offering food and champagne.

Most wonderfully, two flocks of sheep were calmly parading themselves up and down. All it took was one of them to see something interesting at the other end of the pen, and everyone would follow him. Like sheep, basically.

It was raining sporadically, which was unfortunate, but then this is the weather than British tailoring and therefore all wool (Australian merino or not) has to deal with.

Gieves & Hawkes unlined coat made in reversible Loden merino wool from LeichtfriedEdward Sexton with his double-breasted blue and grey dice check motoring coat, with contrast shawl collar and giletA cycling suit made by Davies and Son using Dashing Tweeds. Made from Navy ‘Raver Wave’ cloth, it has adjustable reflective cuffs and rear under flap, with bellows patch pocketsAnderson & Sheppard ivory bespoke pea coat, with a half-belt, box pleat and quilted lining; knitwear by Inis Meain. With Anda Rowland

The event was all in aid of the Campaign for Wool, supported by HRH The Prince of Wales.

The Prince commented: “I sometimes think that too many people have forgotten – or perhaps they never even realised in the first place – that wool is one of the most beautiful, ecological and sustainable natural fibres in the world…it fills me with dismay when we overlook it. It horrifies me, for example, to learn that only 1.3% of clothes today are made from wool, when 60% are made from synthetic materials.”

Hi Simon, Great craftsmanship on display on this equally great occasion! I must confess that I admire this kind collective effort to turn the tide. I love A&S’s peacoat construction. There’s something unusual in its cut. John

Great to see models wearing the finished garments. Rare to see that much bespoke in one place! It made it more of a spectacle for the public, as well as emphasising the connection between the sheep and the quality clothes that result from the raw product. I’d love to have seen cloth weaving included but that’s probably impractical. Savile Row looked amazing covered in turf!

Bespoke will cope pretty much the same as any tailoring, with the exception that a cheap fused suit may bubble when the glue comes away on the chest. And a bespoke suit will often benefit from more good pressing afterwards to restore its structured, 3D shape

“… it fills me with dismay when we overlook it. It horrifies me, for example, to learn that only 1.3% of clothes today are made from wool, when 60% are made from synthetic materials.”

As much as Charles often frustrates me with fatuous ‘let them eat cake’ comments that remind me that he doesn’t have the first clue about the real world – one in which people have jobs, financial pressures and more important things to worry about than the organic status of their biscuits – I’m completely on board with his support of natural fibres. Synthetics have their place, but when I’m shopping for a new peacoat the last thing I want to see on the label is something that resembles a complex list of ingredients.

The shocking thing is that whenever I ask family members or acquaintances what their new purchase is made of they always say, ‘I don’t know’. They haven’t even considered it! The Campaign For Wool is an important one.

I think Keith is harsh in criticising Prince Charles (‘let them eat cake’). The Prince is a lot more sensitive to the people than our politicians. He supports British farmers hugely, he supports our soldiers (with their lack of equipment on active duty) and he has supported British tailoring enormously. I’m very grateful to him.

You’re right, Mac, I may be being a little too harsh on the old fellow. My reaction to his positions, when I read them, is usually more of a class thing rather than a real objection to his opinions. I agree with most of his positions in general, but I do get a little annoyed about the fact that he’s reached them from a position of obscene wealth that doesn’t take into account the reality of the circumstances of people who work for a living. I suppose it’s for the same reason I reflexively sneer in class solidarity when a menswear blogger describes a £2,000 odd jacket as ‘excellent value’ 😛

Anyway, PS isn’t the place for politics, so I’ll close with a smiley face 🙂

I am thoroughly impressed with the cut of that GB suit at the top. Some may see the arms as a little too short but that maybe the picture and stance. Very modern cut and not what you would always expect from a city tailor.